Linden Joseph Champagne, Sr.

Saint Martinville - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, on Tuesday, December 29, 2015, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church in Saint Martinville, for Linden Joseph Champagne Sr., 80, who passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2015, at his residence. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at the funeral home from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm on Monday, and continue on Tuesday at 8:00 am until 10:00 am. A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm on Monday. Revered Rusty Richard will officiate at the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Saint Martinville. Linden had a love for his family and friends and was loved by many. He was a kind and compassionate man who would do anything for anyone who needed. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, family and friends. To many of his nieces and nephews, he was more than just an uncle; he was like a second father and best friend. He and his wife of 45 years, had a love and passion for dancing. Most weekends they could be found doing just that at La Poussiere or Pat's Atchafalaya. Linden worked as a dredge captain for years; served in the National Guard for three years and the United States Army for two years. He had a love for animals and frequented Lake Martin to feed the cats and look for alligators. Bird watching was also something he loved to do; especially watching the hummingbirds from his back porch. In the last few years of his life, you could find him sitting on his swing in the front yard watching the cars go by. He loved telling stories of years past and had a very humorous personality. Although his memory declined the last few years due to Alzheimer's, it could not take away his personality and very unique sense of humor. He truly was a great man, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He was the peace maker in the family and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Melancon and husband Robbie; son, Linden Champagne, Jr. and wife Peggy; brothers, Harold Champagne and wife Betty, Oleus Champagne, Jr. and wife Mary, Harris "Mick" Champagne and wife Dorris Ann; sisters, Mazel Dwyer, Emma Lou Serrette, Elise Verret; grandchildren, Brandi LeBlanc, Chelsea LeBlanc, Clint LeBlanc, Jr., Kristen Champagne, Peter Champagne, and Benjamin Champagne; great-Grandchildren, Kaydence LeBlanc and Lane Hollier. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elizabeth Latiolais Champagne; parents Oleus, Sr. and Elise Gauthier Champagne; brothers, Earl, Howard, and Edward Champagne; and sisters, Maudry Landry and Verna Guidry. Pallbearers will be Clint LeBlanc Jr., Peter Champagne, Ronnie Landry, Ricky Champagne, Willie Verret III, and Austin Champagne. Honorary pallbearer will be Benjamin Champagne. Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville, 112 New Market St., Saint Martinville, Louisiana 70582, (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com